Gold Depot Shipping and Transaction Agreement

This Shipping and Transaction Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by Gold Depot ("Company") and the undersigned customer ("Customer"). By signing this Agreement, placing an order, or engaging in any transaction with Gold Depot, the Customer agrees to the terms and conditions outlined below.

Overview of Precious Metals Pricing and Spreads

• a. Precious Metals Pricing

The price quoted for precious metals includes the “Spread,” which reflects Gold Depot’s operational costs, profit margin, and other associated expenses. The Spread is not based on the spot price of metals but rather on a pricing model unique to Gold Depot that considers market demand, product availability, and other factors.

• b. Definition of Spread

The Spread represents the difference between the wholesale acquisition cost and the retail price paid by the Customer. It accounts for:

• Advertising expenses
• Employee salaries and commissions
• Lease and operational costs
• Company profits

• c. Product Categories and Typical Spreads

Gold Depot categorizes its products as follows, with corresponding typical Spread ranges:

1. Bullion Products:
• 4%-7% for cash purchases
• 7%-10% for IRA purchases
2. Numismatic and Semi-Numismatic Products:
• Typically 15%-25%, depending on rarity, condition, and demand.
3. Proof Products:
• Typically 20%-30%, with variations based on factors like minting volume and historical significance.

Order Placement and Payment Terms

• a. Order Placement
  • Orders can be placed via Gold Depot’s website, by calling 1-800-733-8813, or through authorized representatives.
  • All orders are final once confirmed. Customers must review and accept the terms at the time of purchase.

• b. Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods include:

1. Wire Transfer: Preferred for its speed and reliability.
2. Personal Check: Processing may take up to 10 business days.
3. Cashier’s Check: Must be issued by a recognized financial institution.

Note: Payments must be delivered within one (1) business day of placing an order. Orders will not be processed until payment clears.

• c. Locked Pricing Policy

The quoted price is locked only upon receipt and confirmation of payment. Prices may fluctuate prior to payment clearance due to market conditions.

Delivery of Purchased Items

• a. Delivery Timeframes

Gold Depot will ship precious metals within 28 business days of payment clearance and completion of required documentation. Exceptions may apply during periods of high order volume or for custom requests.

• b. Delivery Method and Insurance
  • All items are shipped using nationally recognized carriers such as FedEx, UPS, or USPS.
  • Shipments are fully insured until the point of delivery confirmation.

• c. Address Verification

The Customer is responsible for providing an accurate shipping address. Gold Depot will not be held liable for delays or losses due to incorrect information.

Lost or Undelivered Shipments

If a shipment is lost, incomplete, or undelivered:

1. Immediate Notification: The Customer must notify Gold Depot by phone and in writing.
2. Verification Process: Gold Depot will work with the carrier to verify the loss.
3. Resolution: Within 60 days, Gold Depot will either:
• Replace the lost items, or
• Refund the purchase price.

Gold Depot assumes no responsibility for items lost after confirmed delivery.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• a. Cancellations

Orders may not be canceled after payment is received and the price is locked. If Gold Depot grants a cancellation at its discretion, a restocking fee of 3%-5% will apply.

• b. Returns and Refunds

Returns are accepted only for:

• Defective items
• Incorrect shipments
• Returns must be reported within 15 days of delivery and accompanied by the original receipt. Returned items must remain in their original condition and packaging.

Investment Risks and Customer Responsibilities

• a. Market Risks

Investing in precious metals carries inherent risks, including price volatility, supply-demand fluctuations, and macroeconomic influences. Prices may decrease without warning.

• b. Responsibility for Investment Decisions
  • The Customer is solely responsible for decisions regarding the purchase, sale, and timing of investments in precious metals.
  • Gold Depot does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice.

• c. No Profit Guarantee

Gold Depot makes no guarantees regarding the profitability or appreciation of precious metals. Past market performance is not indicative of future results.

Repurchase and Liquidation Policy

• a. Repurchase Offers

Gold Depot is not obligated to repurchase items but may offer to buy back precious metals at its sole discretion. Repurchase quotes are:

• Based on current market conditions.
• Valid for a limited period.

• b. Conditions of Repurchase

• Metals must be delivered in the promised condition.
• Gold Depot reserves the right to reject repurchase offers if metals fail verification.

Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRA”)

• a. Tax Considerations

Gold Depot makes no guarantees or representations regarding the tax consequences of holding precious metals—whether bullion, proof, or numismatic coins—as an investment within an IRA. Customers are strongly advised to seek independent tax advice from a qualified professional to address any tax-related questions or concerns.

• b. Establishing an IRA Account

To invest in precious metals for an IRA, the Customer must open and maintain a self-directed IRA account through an appropriate financial institution. These custodians and depositories are independent entities and are not affiliated with Gold Depot. The Customer is responsible for any fees charged by these institutions, including account setup, maintenance, and storage fees, which are not included in Gold Depot’s prices.

• c. Authorization to Access Account Information

The Customer authorizes Gold Depot to view their IRA holdings through the depository’s secure platform for purposes such as providing portfolio valuations, price quotes for potential buybacks, or other related services. Gold Depot will not use this information for any other purpose or disclose it to third parties.

Professional Grading of Precious Metals

• a. Graded vs. Ungraded Metals

Gold Depot offers both professionally graded and ungraded precious metals for sale. Customers unsure about the grading status of a product should confirm this information with their sales representative before completing the purchase. Grading details will also be clearly stated in writing or recorded as part of the purchase confirmation.

• b. Independent Grading Services

For graded coins, Gold Depot relies on reputable third-party grading services, including but not limited to the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), ANACS, and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Gold Depot does not independently grade coins and is not responsible for the methodologies or opinions of these third-party services.

• c. Variability in Grading

Precious metals grading is a subjective process. Customers should note that:

• The same coin may receive different grades from different grading services or individual graders within the same service.
• Grading standards may change over time, and Gold Depot cannot guarantee that coins graded in the past will retain the same grade if resubmitted in the future.

Gold Depot’s Investment Philosophy

• a. Long-Term Investment Perspective

Gold Depot views precious metals as a long-term investment. The transaction costs associated with purchasing precious metals may make it difficult to achieve short-term profitability. Customers should be prepared to hold their investments for at least 5 to 10 years or longer to allow for potential appreciation.

• b. Diversification

Gold Depot advises against allocating all or the majority of investment funds to precious metals. Customers should consider the percentage of their portfolio allocated to precious metals based on their financial goals, risk tolerance, and overall investment strategy. Customers are encouraged to consult a qualified financial advisor for diversification advice.

Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

• a. Dispute Notification

Disputes must be submitted in writing. If unresolved within 60 days, arbitration may proceed.

• b. Binding Arbitration
  • All disputes will be resolved through arbitration conducted by JAMS under its Comprehensive Arbitration Rules.
  • Arbitration will take place in [your state or nearest major city].

• c. Class Action Waiver

The Customer waives the right to participate in class actions or consolidated arbitration.

Miscellaneous Provisions

• a. Entire Agreement

This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and representations.

• b. Governing Law

The Agreement is governed by the laws of [your state].

• c. Severability

If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the remainder remains valid.

• d. Force Majeure

Gold Depot is not liable for delays caused by events beyond its control, including natural disasters, labor disputes, or government actions.